Mindfulness Meditation · Story
This week’s meditation session is led by Sharon Salzberg and the theme is Story.
Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon (Durga Mahisasuramardini); Nepal; 12th-13th century; Gilt copper alloy; 11 × 13 1/8 × 7 1/2 in.; Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art; C2005.16.11
One of the finest examples of Nepalese craftsmanship known in the world, this sculpture of Durga killing the Buffalo Demon is a jewel of the Rubin’s collection. According to the story, a terrible demon named Mahisa set out to terrorize the world and could not be defeated by the gods. Durga holds the weapons of all the gods, which they gave her to help defeat Mahisa. This sculpture depicts the final dramatic scene of the story, when Durga cuts off the head of a buffalo, Mahisa’s current form, pulling the demon out of the buffalo’s body. Durga represent the ultimate expression of feminine energy that animates all things in the universe.
Sharon Salzberg, Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, has guided meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. Her latest books are Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom and Finding Your Way: Meditations, Thoughts, and Wisdom for Living an Authentic Life. She is a weekly columnist for On Being, a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, and the author of several other books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation, Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World, Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, and Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness. Ms. Salzberg has been a regular participant in the Rubin’s many on-stage conversations and regards the Rubin as a supplemental office.
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